Pregnant Girl

ΓÇ£[T]his book is so much more than a memoir . . . . Her prose has the power to undo deep-set cultural biases about poverty and parenthood.ΓÇ¥ΓÇöNew York Times Book Review An activist calls for better support of young families so they can thrive and reflects on her experiences as a Black mother and college student fighting for opportunities for herself and her child. Pregnant Girl presents the possibility of a different future for young mothersΓÇöone of success and stabilityΓÇöin the midst of the dismal statistics that dominate the national conversation. Along with her own story as a young Black mother,Nicole Lynn Lewis weaves in those of the men and women sheΓÇÖs worked with to share a new perspective on how povertyclassismand systemic racism impact teen pregnancy and on how effective programs and equitable policies can help teen parents earn college degreeshave increased opportunityand create a legacy of educational and career achievements in their families. After Nicole became pregnant during her senior year in high schoolshe was told that college was no longer a realityΓÇöa negative outlook often unfairly presented to teen mothers. Nicole left home and experienced periods of homelessnesshungerand poverty. Despite these obstaclesshe enrolled at the College of William & Mary and brought her 3-month-old daughter along. Through her experiences fighting for resources to put herself through collegeshe discovered her true calling and founded her organizationGeneration Hopeto provide support for teen parents and their children so they can thrive in college and kindergartenΓÇödriving a 2-generation solution to poverty. Pregnant Girl will inspire young parents faced with similar choices and obstacles that they too can pursue their goals with the right support.